Friday, September 6, 2013

Fourth person charged in Bergenfield shooting

Press release from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office: 

Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli announced today the charging of HASSAN SLY, a/k/a “Smoke,” 24 years old of Newark, New Jersey, in connection with the home invasion which occurred on September 1, 2013 in Bergenfield, NJ.  During the home invasion/robbery, two people were shot and critically wounded.  Both are now expected to fully recover. The case is being investigated by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Bergenfield Police Department, Detective Bureau. 

As previously reported to the press, at 9:50 a.m. on September 1, 2013, Bergenfield Police responded to a 911 call to the two-family residence at 85 Westside Avenue where both victims, Gilbert Mercado and John Newcomb, resided.  Mr. Newcomb had been shot once in the lower torso area and Mr. Mercado was shot in the chest.  The investigation has been ongoing by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Squad and the Bergenfield Police Department and has led to the previously reported arrests of Christian NOVA (dob: 5/27/1992) of 480 Liberty Road, Englewood, Zakeer ROBERTS, (dob: 2/1/89) of 84 North Munn Avenue, East Orange, NJ and Mario FERREIRA (dob: 12/30/1990) of Succasunna, NJ.

The continuing investigation has revealed that Hassan SLY was also present during the home invasion/robbery, was armed with a gun and was an active participant in the robbery/shooting. A search warrant was executed at SLY’s Newark residence yesterday with the assistance of the Newark Police Department SWAT.  However, SLY was not located. The search resulted in the recovery of a TEC-9 assault weapon as well as heroin and packaging material for heroin distribution.  It is not believed that the TEC-9 was used in the shootings. The weapon(s) used in the shooting have yet to be recovered.

At this time, Hassan SLY is wanted on charges of Attempted Murder (2 counts), Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary and various weapons offenses.  He should be considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts should contact their local police immediately or the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 201-226-5651.

The investigation is continuing at this time.  Prosecutor Molinelli states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and would like to thank the members of the Bergenfield and Newark Police Departments for their assistance and cooperation.
                     

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